Samsung announces the Galaxy Pocket, a 2.8-inch entry-level smartphone for the UK

Because it's been at least six days since Samsung announced its last Android smartphone, here's the Galaxy Pocket -- an entry-level device in an extremely compact form factor, sporting a tiny 2.8-inch display. The Pocket runs on an 800MHz processor, just like the Galaxy Mini 2, though due to its diminutive size, screen resolution is limited to a stomach-churning 320x240 (QVGA). It's also got a 2MP rear camera, 3GB internal storage (expandable via microSD card), and a 1200mAh battery. The presence of HSPA support on 900MHz and 2100MHz only suggests the Galaxy Pocket won't be venturing too far outside of Europe.

On the software side, you get the standard blend of Android 2.3 Gingerbread and Samsung's TouchWiz UX layer. You probably won't want to hold your breath for an Ice Cream Sandwich update any time soon.

So it's very much an entry-level handset, and we'd expect that to be reflected in the price when this device launches later this year. Samsung has so far only confirmed that the Galaxy Pocket will be available in the UK, but we wouldn't be too surprised to see a wider European launch either.

Head past the break for today's press release in full.

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE GALAXY POCKET

New addition to the Galaxy portfolio provides affordable option for customers

6th March 2012, London, UK – Samsung Electronics today announces the latest addition to its Android powered Galaxy portfolio, the Galaxy Pocket. Featuring AndroidTM 2.3, this new smartphone offers those on the lookout for a new handset, a stylish portable option.

The Galaxy Pocket’s slim design makes it ideal for use whilst on the move and features a 2.8” display so that content and images can be viewed easily. The device features an upgraded TouchWiz user interface making menu navigation a smooth and efficient experience.

Connecting with others and sharing content is quick and easy thanks to the Galaxy Pocket’s social networking and communication features. Samsung’s ChatON cross-platform communication service connects all phone users into a single community, enabling spontaneous messaging, group chatting and content sharing so customers can stay in touch more easily.

In addition, the Galaxy Pocket’s Social Hub enables owners to see their Instant Messaging, social network and email communications in a single inbox for added convenience when they are travelling to and from work or out shopping.

The Galaxy Pocket offers 3GB of user memory, which can be expanded by a SD memory card up to an additional 32GB, for applications, MP3 files and photos, as well as an in-built FM radio which can be tuned into a favourite station. Integrated high-speed Wi-Fi and HSDPA 3.6 connectivity mean multimedia content can be downloaded fast and keep owners entertained whilst they’re out and about.

Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division: “With the Samsung Galaxy Pocket, we are building on the features we know our customers enjoy and get the most out of. This new device adds further breadth to the choice of smartphones we currently offer and provides a smartphone experience for even more customers at an affordable price.”

The Galaxy Pocket will be available in the UK later this year.

Samsung Galaxy Pocket Product Specifications:

Network

HSDPA 3.6UMTS 900/2100

EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900

Processor

832MHz Processor

Display

2.8” QVGA(240×320) TN LCD

OS

Android 2.3(Gingerbread)

Camera

Main(Rear): 2 Megapixel Fixed Focus Camera

Video

Video: MPEG4, H.263, H.264

Playback: WVGA@30fps

Recording: QVGA@15fps

Audio

Codec: MP3, OGG, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WAV, MID, IMY

3.5mm Ear Jack , Stereo FM Radio with RDS

Value-added Features

Samsung TouchWiz UX

Samsung Apps

Samsung Kies

Social Hub

-Integrated Messaging(Email, SNS), Contacts, Calendar Sync

Samsung ChatON mobile communication service

(Downloadable via Samsung Apps)

GoogleTM Mobile Services

- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,

Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google +

A-GPS

Connectivity

Bluetooth® technology v 3.0

USB 2.0

Wi-Fi b/g/n

Sensor

Accelerometer, Digital Compass

Memory

3GB User memory

microSD (up to 32GB)

Size

103.7 x 57.5 x 12 mm, 97g

Battery

Standard battery, Li-ion 1,200 mAh

Reader comments

Samsung announces the Galaxy Pocket, a 2.8-inch entry-level smartphone for the UK

I wonder how many apps are even compatible with that resolution? I suppose for a teenager maybe this would be like a parents gift to them or something? Not sure why you would buy this when better phones are already free on contract though.

Samsung pisses me off for making crap like this. I know entry level phones are important, but last year's top phones are TODAY'S entry phones! Hell, last year's mid-level phones were entry phones by the new year, and they're super affordable. I just don't understand the need for such a piece of junk like this. Someone is going to buy this phone because it's the cheapest option they can get that is labeled "smart phone" with this "Android" they've been hearing about... They'll be sorely disappointed, and you know what their next phone will be? An iPhone because in their minds, Android is crap.

I think this phone might be useful for someone who doesn't need a lot on their phone other than the built in apps, phone, calendar, address book. The size is nice for people who don't want to big phone in their pocket or on their belt.
It might just have decent battery life with the smaller screen.
It will also probably be a "free" phone on contract.
I can see this phone being a choice for some people. (not me, but hey, I'm an Android Central member and am "into" my gadgets.)

@wpavlik2, have to agree -- when I saw this my first thought was, "Wow, I bet this gets *way* more than the 4 hours of battery life I'm used to from my 5" screen and dual-cores." Honestly if someone could put an 800x480 display in a form factor like this (hey, that's Retina ppi!) and make a decent soft keyboard that was actually usable at that size, this would be a great day-to-day phone. Eventually the super-smartphones (5.5+ screens and quad cores) are going to merge into the small-size tablet form factor, and actual fit-in-your pocket phones might just make a comeback. Either that, or we'll all have Asus Padfones. :)

I think this begs the question: With a 2.8" screen, how will the keyboard be usable to anyone that's not a four year-old or suffering dwarfism? I cannot imagine what a nightmare trying to do real text entry on this thing would be.